Olympic Mania

[prendrelemick]

Yep that's the one, only it's a race as well. The American girl hit the concrete with her chin this dinner time, I don't think it was intentional.

[Paulclem]

Yep that's the one, only it's a race as well. The American girl hit the concrete with her chin this dinner time, I don't think it was intentional.

Yes i saw that. BMX racing is great to watch.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

I didn't even know they had it. I'll have to catch it.

One thing I really wish they had in the Olympics is skateboarding competitions. It's a legitimate sport (or skill, talent, whatever you want to call it), definitely international, and when there're things like synchronized swimming, equestrian sports (seriously, what's with these? at least five the medal to the horse), and snowboarding half-pipe competition in the winter Olympics, there's no reason it shouldn't be.

[prendrelemick]

Don't forget, for many kids in the Ghetto, Dressage is the only way out.





I really want Nicky Adams (she of the dancing feet) to win the Women's Boxing tonight. I don't want to say she deserves to win, because that's bollox - the best boxer deserves to win - but she has got to where she is the hard way.

[LitNetIsGreat]

Don't forget, for many kids in the Ghetto, Dressage is the only way out.


I really want Nicky Adams (she of the dancing feet) to win the Women's Boxing tonight. I don't want to say she deserves to win, because that's bollox - the best boxer deserves to win - but she has got to where she is the hard way.

:lol: Many lives have been turned around for the better because of Dressage I'm sure.

I was thinking the other day about some of the pundits the BBC have got, particularly the American ones like Michael Johnson and John McEnroe. I like the fact that the BBC employs non Brits in such a way because not only are they good and know what they are talking about (unlike some) but they offer a different perspective on events. It had me wondering though if other countries, particularly the US, if they had non American pundits, somehow I couldn't see it. I also couldn't see the French employing a British cycling pundit either for example. Anyone throw any light on that?

[prendrelemick]

Thank gawd The BBC have the olympic's. Think how many ad breaks the other lot would put in whenever Hussain Bolt was due to run.

[Emil Miller]

Thank gawd The BBC have the olympic's. Think how many ad breaks the other lot would put in whenever Hussain Bolt was due to run.

Not having a television set, I've no idea who Hussain Bolt is, so it's a matter of indifference to me whether he runs or not. But with a name like that he takes silver to Bradley Wiggins gold.

[Paulclem]

He defended the 100 and 200m gold from the last Olympics. He already is a global superstar. He seems like a friendly kind of bloke too. Much as I admire and applaud Bradley, he is eclipsed by Bolt on global scale just because the 100 and 200m events are showcase races.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

He has the world record for running, too.

[prendrelemick]

Yep it's all about Bolt winning the running this morning. Whereas David Rudisha who broke the world record in some more running, hardly gets a look in.


Apart from all the rubbish that's on, TV is the medium that delivers National moments. There were 17 million brits watching Mo Farrah the other night. So when you go to the pub or shopping or for a walk or online people are talking about it, and for a while we are a proper joined up society again.

Anyway the Nicola Adams fight was Brilliant like her personality, and the Chinese girl was gracious in defeat. That's how it should be done.

By contrast the GB men's hockey team were given a 9-2 thrashing by the Dutch. After the way they bickered and argued their petulent way through the quarter finals, I'm glad they didn't progress.

[louisgeorge]

Who will get more medals ????

[OrphanPip]

I don't think there are enough events left for China to catch the USA at this point.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

Yeah. Once gymnastics and diving are over, China doesn't have that much to beat us in--they're just not that big into track and field.

[JBI]

It's a different attitude. I am in China, and see what is going on here. Basically they take these kids when they are five and make them practice ten hours a day until they are 20 or so, and compete internationally to win a gold metal is some sport nobody cares about (women's doubles badminton or some crap). Then the Chinese government pockets their winnings, and they, though they made the country proud for 5 minutes, and this country sure loves patting itself on the back, they basically retire to being unable to do anything productive, and have no ability or qualification to get a decent job in the country that they made so proud.

That's if they win. If they lose, they are basically thrown out. If they are injured their lives are over.

The country is too obsessed with its own success - every day the news only shows how good the government is, and when they report on the Olympics, they only show events where China wins gold, or matches where China wins.

Another note is Badminton, where the top team in the world, a Chinese duo, were basically disqualified for listening to their country's decision to throw a match and therefore make it possible for a China vs China gold metal game - thereby claiming two metals! Now that is sports entertainment!

Still, take the US as a counter example. Continuously a strong country for sports and excellent achievement, but without the same one track mind on earning metals. Most of the athletes are educated, and the best performance of Americans is in team sports rather than in individual sports. Take Basketball - a team sport - or Soccer/Football a team sport - China could never compete, because they cannot work together, and never will be able to do anything that isn't a prescribed move.

In general, the Olympic atmosphere here is disgusting and so against anything competitive athletics or international events should be. It is a third-world corrupt country basically clapping for its own excellence and praising itself at beating everyone. They stopped reporting the metal count when the States past them, and quite frankly the olympics died down a little when it happened.

Now, here is what sports should be - a bunch of athletes competing and showing their excellence and dedication. Not a country showing off to the world, and proving its superiority athletically. It just shows how third world this dump really is.

As for the States, I do not know how proud they are - they have excellent athletes, but also nothing really to prove. I get the feeling like it is more about individual events and achievement over something like getting the most little colored discs in the world. Phelps didn't seemed to thrilled to win, whereas every time China seems to score a point there is a big up yours to the other team and then a broadcast in China of how superior the Chinese "race" is. The attitude is disgusting.

[RicMisc]

I don't think China will still be able to surpass the USA in amount of medals, and I personally think it's not important. As said above the Olympics should be about sports and the love for sports, for China and in some degree for a lot of other countries it's become a mechanism to compete with other countries over a superiority of some sort. And of course it's ok to cheer for your own athletes but if they don't win that's fine as well.

If someone wins than I think that's well deserved, I don't go around wishing for everyone else to lose because I want all medals to go to Dutch athletes. The medals should go to the ones that prove they're the best in their field, and people should care less about where this person comes from and just admire those medal winning athletes for what they've accomplished.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

We have a ton of pride here in the US, but no one really seems to care what the metal count is. The people who watch the Olympics just sort of like watching it, regardless of who wins; I'm that way, at least. I think most would admit to wanting to surpass China, though, including me.

[Emil Miller]

OK here's the scenario. I have just left the pub and get to Kingston station at 17.05 hrs. A glance at the board tells me that my train is on time at 17.05. That gives me 10 seconds to run up a 20yard ramp to the platform before it departs. I put on a sprint and level with a young female already half way up the ramp and we both reach the platform just as the train doors are opening. Hussain Bolt would have been left on the platform waiting half-an-hour for the next one.
How do I do it? I would like to say its a question of 'mens sana in corpore sano' but I put it down to lots of sleep, little food and the double scotch and American that I had in the pub.

[tonywalt]

We have a ton of pride here in the US, but no one really seems to care what the metal count is. The people who watch the Olympics just sort of like watching it, regardless of who wins; I'm that way, at least. I think most would admit to wanting to surpass China, though, including me.

Well done my American Couisins. Bam! Just Beat China in Gold and Total medal. I just do not warm up to supporting China.

[prendrelemick]

So, thats 5 times in the last 6 major championships that Team GB have failed to carry the baton round in the relay.

Then came the usual, "we're a team, we're all to blame".

What they should say is, "It's that stupid pillocks fault, the idiot has cost us the chance of a medal."

They wouldn't drop it then.

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

... I put on a sprint and level with a young female already half way up the ramp and we both reach the platform just as the train doors are opening. ...


Suddenly your eyes meet, there's a lingering lusty pause, you can't help but notice the rapid rise and fall of her bosom as she catches her breath from the sprint. Ussain arrives dismayed by his bronze performance and realizes she is already smitten by your musk and a handy bottle of Côtes du Rhône from your satchel.

[LitNetIsGreat]

So, thats 5 times in the last 6 major championships that Team GB have failed to carry the baton round in the relay.

Then came the usual, "we're a team, we're all to blame".

What they should say is, "It's that stupid pillocks fault, the idiot has cost us the chance of a medal."

They wouldn't drop it then.

Unbelievable, can't they hold a stick?


Suddenly your eyes meet, there's a lingering lusty pause, you can't help but notice the rapid rise and fall of her bosom as she catches her breath from the sprint. Ussain arrives dismayed by his bronze performance and realizes she is already smitten by your musk and a handy bottle of Côtes du Rhône from your satchel.

I like it. :D

[Darcy88]

The Olympics are the best thing we humans have along with art and religion and science. Anyone who hates on the Olympics should take a look at the Olympians themselves, hear their stories, see their faces as they compete. In the Olympics we see that sublime interaction between greatness and humility. I love the Olympics.

[LitNetIsGreat]

The Olympics are the best thing we humans have along with art and religion and science. Anyone who hates on the Olympics should take a look at the Olympians themselves, hear their stories, see their faces as they compete. In the Olympics we see that sublime interaction between greatness and humility. I love the Olympics.

It's not bad, but I wouldn't praise it so highly as that. It is uplifting at times, but in the end a lot of them are getting paid, sometimes not much, but enough, for doing something they love, which is more than most of us can say.

There was one moment last week when we saw just how crushed one lot of British silver medalist rowers were for not getting the gold. It was like someone had died. I can totally praise the focus on wanting to win at all costs and I would actually rather see that than grateful losers, but in context with daily life I mean - they would be crying if he had to teach 8Y!

I must say that the BBC stock interviewing is beginning to get on my nerves, as it sometimes does at the best of times, what with their emotion agenda questions, found in everything the BBC does:

Can you explain your emotions when you...?

What was you feeling when you...?

I notice you were crying when you picked up the medal, can you explain the emotions you were going through?

The crowd has been behind you, how did it make you feel?

This year has been a difficult year for you, can you explain what it has meant to you when...?

You've just won the gold medal. How do you feel?

Etc, etc.

I think we should play 'Emotions Bingo' tomorrow, but I know we would have the full-house by 10.30am. The BBC do it with everything though, quiz shows and so on, I just find it so annoying, it's even beginning to wind Mrs N up.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

Maybe you guys should join the relay team if it's so easy then?

[prendrelemick]

^I'd be a good anchor.

[JuniperWoolf]

You couldn't be worse than NBC.

[OrphanPip]

You couldn't be worse than NBC.

I haven't watched the American coverage at all (though I'll probably be watching the NBC coverage of the closing ceremonies since I'll be in Phillie on Sunday), but the CTV coverage hasn't been that great either. Lisa LaFlamme's voice is like nails on a chalk board to me.

[JuniperWoolf]

Ugh, me too. The American coverage sucks because they won't shut up, but Lisa LaFlamme makes me cringe.

[Emil Miller]

Suddenly your eyes meet, there's a lingering lusty pause, you can't help but notice the rapid rise and fall of her bosom as she catches her breath from the sprint. Ussain arrives dismayed by his bronze performance and realizes she is already smitten by your musk and a handy bottle of Côtes du Rhône from your satchel.

The secret of successful running is single mindedness, there's no time for lusty pauses; the rising and falling of bosoms and the Côtes du Rhône usually takes place after the race. Actually she was quite a plump female which is probably the reason I caught up with her.



I think we should play 'Emotions Bingo' tomorrow, but I know we would have the full-house by 10.30am. The BBC do it with everything though, quiz shows and so on, I just find it so annoying, it's even beginning to wind Mrs N up.

This is hardly surprising given that the BBC is the world's largest repository of bleeding hearts.

[Alexander III]

There are a lot of hot women and girls in these olympics...

[JuniperWoolf]

Males too. Check out the Fiji flag-bearer, he looks like a demigod:

http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp349/cellar_door17/th_fiji-opening-ceremonies-apgetty.jpg (http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp349/cellar_door17/?action=view&current=fiji-opening-ceremonies-apgetty.jpg)

[prendrelemick]

Carol Anne Duffy, the Poet Laureate, has done a poem about the Olympics that is firmly from a British perspective.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/10/carol-ann-duffy-olympics-london?CMP=twt_gu

What do you make of it?

[Emil Miller]

Carol Anne Duffy, the Poet Laureate, has done a poem about the Olympics that is firmly from a British perspective.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/10/carol-ann-duffy-olympics-london?CMP=twt_gu

What do you make of it?

She aint no Byron.

[LitNetIsGreat]

Carol Anne Duffy, the Poet Laureate, has done a poem about the Olympics that is firmly from a British perspective.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/10/carol-ann-duffy-olympics-london?CMP=twt_gu

What do you make of it?

Yes it's quite political isn't it? And we do want more cycle lanes, I agree with that one certainly, I'm sick of the traffic and arrogant car drivers trying to ram you off the road. There is talk of re-naming Don Valley Stadium into Ennis Stadium as well.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

There are a lot of hot women and girls in these olympics...

Word. The US's women's soccer (football) team had a number of lookers.

[prendrelemick]

Yes it's quite political isn't it? And we do want more cycle lanes, I agree with that one certainly, I'm sick of the traffic and arrogant car drivers trying to ram you off the road. There is talk of re-naming Don Valley Stadium into Ennis Stadium as well.


I suppose it's an Ironical take on the way we say - we've won this and we've won that - The athletes are us by proxy.

[JBI]

Carol Anne Duffy, the Poet Laureate, has done a poem about the Olympics that is firmly from a British perspective.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/10/carol-ann-duffy-olympics-london?CMP=twt_gu

What do you make of it?

It ain't art, that's for sure.

[prendrelemick]

She deserves praise for resisting the urge to rhyme medal with Tweddle.

[Emil Miller]

She deserves praise for resisting the urge to rhyme medal with Tweddle.

She probably missed it while thinking of something to rhyme with Wiggins.

[Kafka's Crow]

If Hussain Bolt won the sprinting double in 100 metre and 200 metre sprint, Mohammad Farah completes the long distance double by winning 5000 metre after winning 10000 meter race.

Any thoughts Emil?

[Hawkman]

She ain't called Duffy for nuffie... :rolleyes:

[Kafka's Crow]

She ain't called Duffy for nuffie... :rolleyes:

She is called Duffy for Muffy! The Marie Antoinette of Glasga!

[Babyguile]

Carol Anne Duffy, the Poet Laureate, has done a poem about the Olympics that is firmly from a British perspective.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/aug/10/carol-ann-duffy-olympics-london?CMP=twt_gu

What do you make of it?

That's a very poor effort from Duffy.

[Paulclem]

I like it. Considering it's part of her job as Poet Laureate, i think she's captured a bit of 2012.

[Emil Miller]

If Hussain Bolt won the sprinting double in 100 metre and 200 metre sprint, Mohammad Farah completes the long distance double by winning 5000 metre after winning 10000 meter race.

Any thoughts Emil?

Not really except I'm sure their respective countries will be pleased.

[LitNetIsGreat]

She probably missed it while thinking of something to rhyme with Wiggins.

And not much chance with Ohuruogu.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

I don't know, that poem seems pretty amateurish for a poet laureate.

[Paulclem]

I remember a poem of hers being posted a couple of years ago, and two litnetters disliking it so much that they wrote their own and posted them, suggesting theirs were better. I had to laugh.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

I'm not suggesting I can write better. I'm not even suggesting it's a bad poem. It just doesn't seem laureate material.

[OrphanPip]

She probably put it together over breakfast.

Duffy is an OK poet, her style is very conversational.

[prendrelemick]

The first line using the imagery of a "break in the clouds" to describe the Olympics is spot on, that's how it feels.
The last line is also apposite, a nod to the future using a current political soundbite and showing what it ought to mean.

[prendrelemick]

I think it is time to pick your outstanding moments !

[Emil Miller]

And not much chance with Ohuruogu.

:lol: You have to laugh. Just when the racial engineers think they have managed to convince everyone that Ohuruogu is as English as Smith or Johnson, along comes Wiggins to spoil the party.

Viva Wiggo!

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

Racial engineering?

[Emil Miller]

Racial engineering?

Yes, it's akin to social engineering but more insidious.

[Kafka's Crow]

Racial engineering?

Don't you start! I was reading Y Goddodin the other day, not a single British name in it. I was looking for Darren and Rachel and Sharon and Callum but all names seemed so different and unfamiliar. Either the thing you are talking about has been going on for hundreds of years or societies and countries change as they move through history.

[Babyguile]

I remember a poem of hers being posted a couple of years ago, and two litnetters disliking it so much that they wrote their own and posted them, suggesting theirs were better. I had to laugh.

Can you remember what the poem was?

[Paulclem]

Can you remember what the poem was?

The poem was Last Post.

http://thetanjara.blogspot.co.uk/2009/07/poet-laureate-carol-ann-duffys-ww1-poem.html

[Alexander III]

The poem was Last Post.

http://thetanjara.blogspot.co.uk/2009/07/poet-laureate-carol-ann-duffys-ww1-poem.html

Holly smokes! That is ridiculously crap...

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

Yes, it's akin to social engineering but more insidious.

Oh, is this the whole "White males are mad because their losing their dominance" thing, and surely that's not true and it's a big media conspiracy? I think that nut Pat Buchanan just put out a book about it. It's such a cozy way to justify one's racism.

Of course, that may not be what you're referring to, since you like to throw out little conservative buzz phrases and not deign to explain them. Whatever it is, I'm sure it's stupid, though.

[Emil Miller]

Oh, is this the whole "White males are mad because their losing their dominance" thing, and surely that's not true and it's a big media conspiracy? I think that nut Pat Buchanan just put out a book about it. It's such a cozy way to justify one's racism.

Of course, that may not be what you're referring to, since you like to throw out little conservative buzz phrases and not deign to explain them. Whatever it is, I'm sure it's stupid, though.

If I were to answer, this thread would probably be closed as I have already had two posts removed because of their political content although they were connected to the Olympic games. So leaving Mr Buchanan aside, I will just say that there are none so blind as those who will not see what's staring them in the face.

[LitNetIsGreat]

Christ I'm not watching the closing ceremony, I'm trying to get Mrs N to turn it off. I didn't watch the opening one either.

[cacian]

Christ I'm not watching the closing ceremony, I'm trying to get Mrs N to turn it off. I didn't watch the opening one either.

I am haha and enjoying every minute :D

[Paulclem]

I liked the opening, but the closing seems to be just singing. I'm waiting for the football to come on.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

If I were to answer, this thread would probably be closed as I have already had two posts removed because of their political content although they were connected to the Olympic games. So leaving Mr Buchanan aside, I will just say that there are none so blind as those who will not see what's staring them in the face.

You can always shoot me a PM. Even if I think it's stupid, I like learning about other mindsets.

[prendrelemick]

I'd hoped for something a bit more creative than this.


Is Match of the Day on?

[Paulclem]

I'd hoped for something a bit more creative than this.


Is Match of the Day on?

Carling Cup. ITV.

Can't wait.

[prendrelemick]

All the C listers who couldn't get into the opening ceremony are here tonight.

Oh I always love the bit where the tightrope walker sets a man on fire!

Is there anything that can save this closing ceremony, apart from a power cut.

I suppose this is Britain too, everything has been too well run and brilliant, now we're back to normal.

Sorry world.

[LitNetIsGreat]

Bloomin' heck. Got it turned off, watched a whole Miss Marple in-between (At Bertram's Hotel) only to find it is still on when it finished!

[Emil Miller]

Bloomin' heck. Got it turned off, watched a whole Miss Marple in-between (At Bertram's Hotel) only to find it is still on when it finished!

From the brouhaha to Miss Marple seems a fitting conclusion to the hype that is usually the main feature of the Olympics, wherever they are held.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

Haven't seem in yet as it hasn't aired in the states, but if it is really that. Uch worse than the okay opening ceremonies, it must be pretty damn horrible.

[Alexander III]

You can always shoot me a PM. Even if I think it's stupid, I like learning about other mindsets.

1) It is stupid, one cannot expect a culture to remain racially and culturally in a static void of homogeny. I can understand why many are upset by this rather natural process in civilization, it has always been that way; in the second century ad, a Spaniard became the emperor of rome when 200 years prior the notion of a foreigner or barbarian ever holding such influence in rome would have been absurd. But Rome like America or Europe today, is only to the small minded a geographical entity which is restricted by place of birth or bloodline. Europe like Rome, is first and foremost an idea, and any man can be an equall part of it, not in obtaining european blood or living in european land, but by possessing the European mentality he becomes accepted as one. That is the one great advantage the west possesses over the rest of the world. As a white man I may go to live in China or Qatar or Malaysia, but no matter what, I shall always remain a foreigner, I will never be accepted fully into their culture simply because I do not look like them. The west has no such barbarian mentalities, one is a westerner because he thinks himself european and his cultural views are european , regardless of ethnicity or origin.

2) On the other hand I do understand, not the reason, but rather the irrational sentiment which would make one want to defend an ethnically homogenous nation. Personally I find Caucasians aesthetically more pleasing than other ethinicities, and so for my eyes racial mixing creates an uglier peoples. Nonetheless I also realize that this is personal and irrational sentiment and that it should not dominate my Reason like a violent pimp abusing of his young property.

3) On the Olympic closing: The English decided to have One Direction sing. That would be like Justin Beiber singing at the American Olympic closing. I am sorry england, but with the choice of One Direction; you just went full retard - never go full retard.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

Thanks for that post, Alex. Much appreciated. Good metaphors, too. :lol:

And that's good advice for us all. Never go full retard.

[Kafka's Crow]

Thanks for that post, Alex. Much appreciated. Good metaphors, too. :lol:

And that's good advice for us all. Never go full retard.


Save yourself from European racism, it is worse than the redneck, gungho, KKK sort you have on your side of the pond. It has some sort of philosophical foundation and its marriage with our conservatism makes it typically 'insidious'. Fortunately we can see it for what it is and label it 'curmudgeonry' which is the best way to describe it.


All the C listers who couldn't get into the opening ceremony are here tonight.

Oh I always love the bit where the tightrope walker sets a man on fire!

Is there anything that can save this closing ceremony, apart from a power cut.

I suppose this is Britain too, everything has been too well run and brilliant, now we're back to normal.

Sorry world.

It was just a party, nothing more, nothing less. This is how we party here. We play lots and lots of music and get very very drunk while dancing all night. Actually I saw some suspicious looking bottles going round among the Team GB towards the end. I am too old to appreciate 'One Direction', my 17 year old niece likes them so they must be good for a section of crowd. Me, give me 'Queen' any day minus the horrible female who spoiled Freddie's anthem.

[Paulclem]

Carling Cup. ITV.

Can't wait.

I meant Community Shield. Sorry - I'm already a full retard and proud of it.

[Kafka's Crow]

Carling Cup. ITV.

Can't wait.

Saw this on BBC message board. I couldn't put it more accurately so I will borrow that comment:



... As for the sport side, I'm sad it's over. Instead of the Olympics lofty ideals, we will return to those of Premiership football instead.

There lies the pity of it all. We can but hope for a legacy of sporting idealism.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

Well, I watched about half of it, then turned off because I wanted to get in bed and because I no longer wanted to watch it. It started fine. I think the performance of Jon Lennon's "Imagine" may have been the coolest thing in either the opening or closing ceremonies. And then they did something with fashion. That was really stupid. Then Russell Brand came out, and that was the final nail in the coffin. Seriously, you should be ashamed that Britain produced that atrocity.

Also, after that stupid fashion thing, it got all dark and gothicy, and I'm think, "Sweet, they're actually going to give Black Sabbath their due." How dumb of me.

[prendrelemick]

Brian May!! I loved that part. I suppose there was something for everyone, but it lacked cleverness.

I reckon Danny Boyle is going through his CV and emboldening OPENING.

[LitNetIsGreat]

Bloody hell. I came downstairs after my morning snooze-in only to find that Mrs N had gone and taped the thing! Put me right off my scrambled egg.

Edit: ****ing hell, Spice Girls, I'm leaving the house. See you later.

[prendrelemick]

I've been thinking what was the highlight of the whole thing.

For me it was the Athletes faces as they finished - those who had done well I mean and especially the winners. Nicola Adams in particular, if only you could bottle that enthusiasm and delight, L'Essence D'Olympique I'd call it. Then there was that Woman Rower who looked truely horrified and came out with the classic-"we're going to be on a stamp!" Brilliant !

Another great quote came from a member of the IOC. When asked by the BBC when they were going to drop French as their official language, he gave his answer in French - Touche!

And of course Mo Farrah for bringing the nation (and the Lemick family) together for a few moments.

[kelby_lake]

Well, I quite enjoyed it.

[stlukesguild]

Edit: ****ing hell, Spice Girls, I'm leaving the house.


:smilielol5:


But surely you can appreciate that such a choice represents the Egalitarian and non-Elitist aspirations of contemporary Britain at its finest.:D

:smilielol5:

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

At least the blond one is hot.

[Kafka's Crow]

Edit: ****ing hell, Spice Girls, I'm leaving the house.


:smilielol5:


But surely you can appreciate that such a choice represents the Egalitarian and non-Elitist aspirations of contemporary Britain at its finest.:D

:smilielol5:

You haven't seen the true face of Egalitarian Britain yet. You will run away vomiting and cursing. Come and watch a game of football in any of the great British stadiums that belong to these premiership clubs or watch a football star trying to string a sentence together. These uncouth brutes get paid millions every year but they are dumb and ignorant like their supporters. My kids still make fun of Wayne Rooney's impromptu remark after getting booed at a game that he lost for his country, "Nice to see yer own supporters booya." They can't win any significant game for their country but can beat anybody while playing for their clubs because of the millions they make there.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

We have the exact same problem with our sports teams, namely football and basketball. Sometimes you can't even understand them, and then people act surprised when they are arrested for beating their wife (as one of our football stars just was, Mr. Ocho-Cinco). And then we have the opposite with sports such as golf, only they're just really racist.

[prendrelemick]

Edit: ****ing hell, Spice Girls, I'm leaving the house.


:smilielol5:


But surely you can appreciate that such a choice represents the Egalitarian and non-Elitist aspirations of contemporary Britain at its finest.:D

:smilielol5:


I went to bed when the Royal Ballet appeared - representing the other lot.

[billl]

I didn't have time to watch really, but I saw the last part of Annie Lennox's bit. She seemed to be doing well, I guess, and had some big boat as a prop, but nothing as grand as the first night. Then some new guy I never heard of joined some old-timers to do a famous but depressing Pink Floyd song, and so I didn't watch that. Not a fair sample, I know, and some people found some things they liked in it... I heard the athletes were pretty fun and having fun, when the camera caught them dancing, etc..

I don't think I've ever really watched any closing ceremonies in the past, though. I bet the guy running it didn't have the same resources that the opening night people did. Making it a joyous party would seem like a safe enough idea, so I couldn't understand the inclusion of some B-Listers doing "Wish You Were Here". I'll have to track down a clip of what the Brazilians did, I am interested in seeing that.

[TheFifthElement]

I don't think I've ever really watched any closing ceremonies in the past, though. I bet the guy running it didn't have the same resources that the opening night people did. Making it a joyous party would seem like a safe enough idea, so I couldn't understand the inclusion of some B-Listers doing "Wish You Were Here". I'll have to track down a clip of what the Brazilians did, I am interested in seeing that.

I'm not a fan of the closing ceremonies. They're never anything much more than a big party, although I guess that's probably what the athletes want and they probably earned it. We watched The Birds on ITV3 instead, but I did manage to see the Brazilian bit and it was fun if not groundbreaking (samba anyone?). Anyway, I'm really looking forward to what Rio do for their opening ceremony. Those guys know how to party.

[Alexander III]

I went to bed when the Royal Ballet appeared - representing the other lot.

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m67ppz8PU31rzs2seo2_500.png

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

I'm not a fan of the closing ceremonies. They're never anything much more than a big party, although I guess that's probably what the athletes want and they probably earned it. We watched The Birds on ITV3 instead, but I did manage to see the Brazilian bit and it was fun if not groundbreaking (samba anyone?). Anyway, I'm really looking forward to what Rio do for their opening ceremony. Those guys know how to party.

It should be bonerific.

[Kafka's Crow]

We have the exact same problem with our sports teams, namely football and basketball. Sometimes you can't even understand them, and then people act surprised when they are arrested for beating their wife (as one of our football stars just was, Mr. Ocho-Cinco). And then we have the opposite with sports such as golf, only they're just really racist.

This lout is the captain of our national football team (real football not the one with padded up over-sized men), well he has been sleeping with his team mate's wife, allegedly called another footballer "bl@ck c***t" and got away with all this. Fans were wishing for this even up to the run up to these Olympics:

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i72/Raz1/9af0e50f.jpg

What a bunch of morons.

[prendrelemick]

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m67ppz8PU31rzs2seo2_500.png


What education?

ps. Is the Catullus a joke or a confession

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

I think he's attempting to point out the irony of you turning it off when something cultured came on.

[prendrelemick]

I know, I know, but it was hardly Giselle.



Course I'd've still turned it off if it was.

[Paulclem]

What education?

ps. Is the Catullus a joke or a confession

He could take a lesson from you in dignity Mick.

[Paulclem]

This lout is the captain of our national football team (real football not the one with padded up over-sized men), well he has been sleeping with his team mate's wife, allegedly called another footballer "bl@ck c***t" and got away with all this. Fans were wishing for this even up to the run up to these Olympics:

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i72/Raz1/9af0e50f.jpg

What a bunch of morons.

He is a lout who happens to be tough and a good player. I can't say I like him or Chelsea.

I like the football though. The positive side is that after all this time, black and asian footballers are included and getting the deserved recognition. Racism is now very rare in football, where once it was the virtual home of all kinds of idiots. It is good to see that a couple of words can rightly cause such a backlash.

The overpayment of playuers is a bit of a conundrum - but that's the situation. if we want to attract world class players and want the revenue that comes with sponsorship and viewing, then it's not going to change. It makes for some cracking games at all levels in the Premiership, and I'll keep watching.

[Emil Miller]

I think he's attempting to point out the irony of you turning it off when something cultured came on.

Are you suggesting that a bunch of oiks shouting nonsense to the tuneless accompaniment of amplified electric strumbuckets is uncultured? How dare you, you are an affront to the sub-civilisation of the brave new world.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

That you don't like that stuff and that I also don't like that stuff worries me, Emil.

[Alexander III]

ps. Is the Catullus a joke or a confession

I figured anyone who knows latin will get a chuckle. Though I shall admit that the sentiment expressed in the line is one that I sometimes experience in life, but just on the very bad days.

[LitNetIsGreat]

Edit: ****ing hell, Spice Girls, I'm leaving the house.


:smilielol5:


But surely you can appreciate that such a choice represents the Egalitarian and non-Elitist aspirations of contemporary Britain at its finest.:D

:smilielol5:

Ha yes. It put me in a bad mood all day, that and an argument with the council (bin collection every two weeks instead of weekly:mad5: - don't get me started). From what I unfortunately saw it just looked liked a free advertisement for the British pop music industry. OK I can buy The Beatles and Lennon for sure but the rest of that lot? I went to bed with the image of The Pet Shop Boys dressed up as orange KKK members and people dancing around in newspaper, Jesus, I then woke up to George Michael and T*e S**c* Gi**s..., Christ, I rest my case.

[prendrelemick]

He is a lout who happens to be tough and a good player. I can't say I like him or Chelsea.

I like the football though. The positive side is that after all this time, black and asian footballers are included and getting the deserved recognition. Racism is now very rare in football, where once it was the virtual home of all kinds of idiots. It is good to see that a couple of words can rightly cause such a backlash.

The overpayment of playuers is a bit of a conundrum - but that's the situation. if we want to attract world class players and want the revenue that comes with sponsorship and viewing, then it's not going to change. It makes for some cracking games at all levels in the Premiership, and I'll keep watching.


I shall be watching too, but Kafka's Crow has a point. I follow Rugby League in the summer, a game played without petulence and histronics. The football comes as a culture shock .

But Football fans come from all walks of life

[Paulclem]

I shall be watching too, but Kafka's Crow has a point. I follow Rugby League in the summer, a game played without petulence and histronics. The football comes as a culture shock .

But Football fans come from all walks of life

Yes. I'd prefer to watch RL too, but I catch it only intermittently, which is like missing episodes in a series.

[mortalterror]

There wasn't any coverage of the sports I care about, and I can't get it up for swimming, gymnastics, or women's track. This Olympics was a complete and dismal failure.

[LitNetIsGreat]

There wasn't any coverage of the sports I care about, and I can't get it up for swimming, gymnastics, or women's track. This Olympics was a complete and dismal failure.

There were coverage of all the sports weren't they? I don't know I was away for some of it, but I'm sure they would have covered all of the sports. If not is that not down to your local broadcaster as opposed to the Olympics as a whole?

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

You could catch pretty much any sport you wanted, unless it was maybe the most obscure of the obscure sports. There were multiple channels that showed everything here.

Why was it a complete and dismal failure, though? It seems, aside from the closing ceremony, the UK did everything quite well. I heard people commenting on how they loved how all the events were so connected to London (though I'm sure many locals disagreed). According to the Nielsen ratings, 219.4 million Americans watched the Olympics, making it the most watched thing on TV ever. Plus, we kicked ***. How does that equal failure?

[qimissung]

I hardly ever watch the closing ceremonies of the Olympics. Actually, I hardly ever watch the opening ceremonies either. But I do watch in between (thanks for the lousy coverage, NBC), and I always miss them when they're finally over.

[papayahed]

But I do watch in between (thanks for the lousy coverage, NBC), and I always miss them when they're finally over.

Right? It's like "Now where can I watch rythmic gymnastics.." OK, bad example, now where can I watch diving? or sprinting? or decathalon?

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

Rhythmic gymnastics is actually pretty badass. I stumbled on to it and couldn't believe what five hot women could do with a couple hula-hoops and some ribbon.

[stlukesguild]

Rhythmic gymnastics is actually pretty badass. I stumbled on to it and couldn't believe what five hot women could do with a couple hula-hoops and some ribbon.

I guess you haven't been to a strip club in a while.:D

[JuniperWoolf]

For me it was the Athletes faces as they finished.

Haha, me too.

http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/50256350eab8ea481100000b-399-299/mckayla-maroney-is-not-impressed-olympics-gymnastics.jpg

"Silver? **** you too, London."


Come and watch a game of football in any of the great British stadiums that belong to these premiership clubs or watch a football star trying to string a sentence together.


We have the exact same problem with our sports teams, namely football and basketball.

I have a friend from Nottin'ham who makes fun of our hokey players. They always do interviews between periods: "You know, uh, you just got to, uh, go out there, and uh, get the puck, and uh, just focus on the puck, and uh, just think about where you want the puck to go, and uh, just make it happen." He says it's like a dog: "Get the ball! Get the ball! Get the ball!"

[prendrelemick]

Guess who has just won the gold-
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/prendrelemick/imagesCAXJ2IEF.jpg

and who hasn't!



Back in the old days if a Brit won a bronze in anything it would be headline news! There would be short films about their life, their friends and family would be interviewed, a Civic reception would follow. Now it's gold we want, gold and more gold. Silver and bronze are a bit- well done, but meh!

[mona amon]

I think this was a really good games, probably because for the first time I was able to watch online what I wanted when I wanted, thanks to the Official Olympic Channel and Youtube. Well done, London!

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

Rhythmic gymnastics is actually pretty badass. I stumbled on to it and couldn't believe what five hot women could do with a couple hula-hoops and some ribbon.

I guess you haven't been to a strip club in a while.:D
Actually, no, I haven't. :(

[LitNetIsGreat]

I wonder if Chinese broadcasters were tut tutting the UK over the 'English army of volunteers' who have worked for free for weeks and weeks, if not months, to keep the Olympics up and running, like we did when they had it? Strange how was suddenly fine the other way around. That's good propaganda for you.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

Well, I finally got around to watching the last hour-or-so of the closing ceremony, and I must say, holy ****ing **** that was god awful. You know it sucks when you bring out Eric Idle and even he can't make it interesting.

And what was with all the damn models walking around? The whole thing was so pointless.

[mortalterror]

The sports I wanted to see: boxing, judo, taekwondo, wrestling, fencing, shooting, marathon, and basketball.

The sports I saw: women's swimming, women's track, rhythmic gymnastics, women's uneven bar gymnastics, men's trampoline gymnastics, rowing, and volleyball with just a dash of Phelps and Bolt thrown in.

[prendrelemick]

I wonder if Chinese broadcasters were tut tutting the UK over the 'English army of volunteers' who have worked for free for weeks and weeks, if not months, to keep the Olympics up and running, like we did when they had it? Strange how was suddenly fine the other way around. That's good propaganda for you.

And bringing in the Peoples British Army to fill empty seats.


Well, I finally got around to watching the last hour-or-so of the closing ceremony, and I must say, holy ****ing **** that was god awful. You know it sucks when you bring out Eric Idle and even he can't make it interesting.

And what was with all the damn models walking around? The whole thing was so pointless.


The models were there to say if you want under 5% bodyfat but don't want to do athletic training, try anorexia instead.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

The sports I wanted to see: boxing, judo, taekwondo, wrestling, fencing, shooting, marathon, and basketball.

The sports I saw: women's swimming, women's track, rhythmic gymnastics, women's uneven bar gymnastics, men's trampoline gymnastics, rowing, and volleyball with just a dash of Phelps and Bolt thrown in.
Well, I saw judo, boxing (which you should be glad you didn't see, as it would have just mad you mad; me and my dad haven't yelled at the TV like that in quite a long time), wrestling and basketball. You just had to search the other stations. As for Phelps, they showed every single race he was in in prime time and the same with Volt (who still didn't get much air time because his total participation time was 40 seconds).

So, did you just mean they were a dismal failure for you, then?

The models were there to say if you want under 5% bodyfat but don't want to do athletic training, try anorexia instead.

:lol:

[Paulclem]

I was watching the BBC news and the moronic presenter was babblng on about the loss of the Olympic spirit now that the games have finished - he cited the Premiership, as if it was in some way opposed to the spirit of the games.

I think this is a false perception though. Our Olympians are well supported by sponsors and in the UKs case, the lottery money. We wouldn't have done so well without it. This idea that amateur sport is somehow more virtuous or pure is nonsense really. Our amateurs did poorly before money began to be poured into sports. They need the coaches, the time off work - if indeed they do work, they need equipment and training etc. In the supposedly good old days, all this would be done by the individual whilst they were working, but you can't get the best that way.

It's not a new conflict either. In the north of England the Rugby League broke away from the The Rugby Football Union for precisely the reason that poor working class miners couldn't afford to play rugby for nothing and miss shifts at work. There then came many decades of animosity between the two codes. In reality - if you don't have your gentlemen athletes who can afford to fund themselves, then you have to have funding of some kind. The Rugby Union is now professional and pays its players too.

The Premiership is just the logical conclusion of this as clubs try to attract different players. With all the popularity comes money, and with the money comes the scarcity of good players. Its purely economics, and really no different from how sport is run. To do it differently, you'd need a different kind of economy.

[prendrelemick]

Yes, every story must have an angle, sometimes there is no story just the angle.

On Tuesday on radio 4 there was a programme about The Premiership - how it began, where it is now, it's future. You can get it on the iplayer.

[Kafka's Crow]

Yes, every story must have an angle, sometimes there is no story just the angle.

On Tuesday on radio 4 there was a programme about The Premiership - how it began, where it is now, it's future. You can get it on the iplayer.

It is here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01lt2vj

[kiki1982]

We watched the closing ceremony in Greenwich Park, together with an absolute record-breaking 52 million Britons (that is just about everyone in Britain) and everyone was in raptures.

Very British.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

Man, I thought British people had better taste than that.

[Kafka's Crow]

Man, I thought British people had better taste than that.

Give up now, mate. We have dragged it around enough. It was ok for us. I understand if more cultured people like the Austrians or the French or the Germans would go on and on about 'taste' and quality as they have a history and have no 'founding fathers' they could remember or talk of but ...

[papayahed]

I like Eric Idle, that was fun.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

Give up now, mate. We have dragged it around enough. It was ok for us. I understand if more cultured people like the Austrians or the French or the Germans would go on and on about 'taste' and quality as they have a history and have no 'founding fathers' they could remember or talk of but ...

Not really sure what any of this means.

[Emil Miller]

Man, I thought British people had better taste than that.

Whatever gave you that idea?

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

All you wonderfully cultured Brits on here, of course.

[kiki1982]

Oh, there are a whole lot of British cultured people like the Sir Humphreys and then there are the James Hackers who are not really and they are despised by the Sir Humphreys.

I think the point of that closing ceremony was Britain in the last 50 years, and the British psyche (street parties, humour and party in general) and a big thank you to John Lennon, Eric Idle and Freddie Mercury for putting it on the map. Aside from a few inspiring songs.

That's me done, I won't incur any more penalties for trying to explain what the vision behind it was.

I think my compatriot, the great Jacques Rogge said it well when he called these games 'happy and glorious', i.e. British. The sheer amount of people who came out to support people they had never seen and created an atmosphere.

I don't know what Naomi Cambel (?) got for her acte de présence, but I don't think it was one symbolic pound like the rest of them. You never know, though.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

Okay, last criticism (probably): while the Jon Lennon thing was really, really cool, the Freddy Mercury thing was just really stupid . . . and kind of creepy. And they really could've done more with Eric Idle than just have him sing a standard tune. And him dancing around with whoever those people were supposed to be was just a but embarking. The guy is a comedic genius--come on, you can do better.

Also, where were the Rolling Stones? And where was Ringo?

[LitNetIsGreat]

We watched the closing ceremony in Greenwich Park, together with an absolute record-breaking 52 million Britons (that is just about everyone in Britain) and everyone was in raptures.

Very British.

No it didn't get as much as that, maybe 25 million? The opening got 26 million I'm reliably informed.


Okay, last criticism (probably): while the Jon Lennon thing was really, really cool, the Freddy Mercury thing was just really stupid . . . and kind of creepy. And they really could've done more with Eric Idle than just have him sing a standard tune. And him dancing around with whoever those people were supposed to be was just a but embarking. The guy is a comedic genius--come on, you can do better.

Also, where were the Rolling Stones? And where was Ringo?

That's Eric Idle's signature tune though. Yes I thought the Freddy from the dead thing was creepy too. I also wondered about the Stones. I wondered if they were on when I did a runner from the house or not, obviously not then. Perhaps they didn't want to be part of it, I don't blame them.

[kiki1982]

No it didn't get as much as that, maybe 25 million? The opening got 26 million I'm reliably informed.

Ah, now my ubby was a bit quick in his judgment, it seems. It was the whole Olympics that was at least watched for 15 minutes by 51.9 million people across the UK. Trust my hubby to get me reliable information. I thought it was strange that they could practically have the whole population watching it. :rolleyes:

Yes, maybe the Stones didn't want to be part of it.

I personally found the models a bit strange.

The Indians were fusion dancers I believe, something quite recent. That and its music went global with Slumdog Millionnaire, I believe (I might be wrong!).

[LitNetIsGreat]

I just knew that it couldn't be correct because somewhere around the 25 million figure is usually the very top TV viewing audience for the UK. This is usually for major events such as the Olympics, Diana's funeral or someone having an affair on East Enders.

[stlukesguild]

Kafka's Crow- Give up now, mate. We have dragged it around enough. It was ok for us. I understand if more cultured people like the Austrians or the French or the Germans would go on and on about 'taste' and quality as they have a history and have no 'founding fathers' they could remember or talk of but ...

Mutatis- Not really sure what any of this means.

Ummm... I believe that Kafka is suggesting that if you were a denizen of a nation like Austria, France, or Germany having centuries... nearly a millennium of history and culture you might legitimately be critical of British "taste"... but as a lowly American, culturally still wet behind the ears, you have no business questioning British superiority in such matters.

And considering performances such as this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Um1jAnwic8g

how can you even think to dispute this fact?

:D

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

Thanks for setting me straight, stlukes.

[prendrelemick]

[

Ummm... I believe that Kafka is suggesting that if you were a denizen of a nation like Austria, France, or Germany having centuries... nearly a millennium of history and culture you might legitimately be critical of British "taste"... but as a lowly American, culturally still wet behind the ears, you have no business questioning British superiority in such matters.

And considering performances such as this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Um1jAnwic8g

how can you even think to dispute this fact?

:D

Unyet the only opening ceremony I remember in the last 40 years was from the young whippersnappers in Los Angeles, with the 100 grand pianos and a man with a jet pack.

ps. The Spice Girls were a high point. :nonod:

[Paulclem]

Kafka's Crow- Give up now, mate. We have dragged it around enough. It was ok for us. I understand if more cultured people like the Austrians or the French or the Germans would go on and on about 'taste' and quality as they have a history and have no 'founding fathers' they could remember or talk of but ...

Mutatis- Not really sure what any of this means.

Ummm... I believe that Kafka is suggesting that if you were a denizen of a nation like Austria, France, or Germany having centuries... nearly a millennium of history and culture you might legitimately be critical of British "taste"... but as a lowly American, culturally still wet behind the ears, you have no business questioning British superiority in such matters.

And considering performances such as this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Um1jAnwic8g

how can you even think to dispute this fact?

:D

That clearly was the suggestion, and it is a view held by some people in the UK, but it's not one held by all of us.

Unfortunately as the dominant economic power, with a huge influence upon culture, you're going to get flak. We still get flak about colonialism, despite losing any colonial power we had in the last century.

[cacian]

The paraolympics anyone?
Is anyone watching the openign ceremony it feels like a dejavu it is a dejavu and I am not really taken onto it at the moment.
I can't help but feel bad about blind people especially.

[Basil]

I think bad about blind people, too. Sightless bastards.

[cacian]

I think bad about blind people, too. Sightless bastards.

:lol: Haha
I guess I never thought about it that way haha.

[billl]

:lol: Haha
I guess I never thought about it that way haha.

Ha, Basil's joke there though is just about the way you inadvertently phrased it. A better way to write it in English might be, "I can't help but feel sympathy for the blind people.," or even just, "I can't help but feel for the blind people." Of course, the idea of the events, I think, is to give them a chance to show what they can do quite well.

[cacian]

Ha, Basil's joke there though is just about the way you inadvertently phrased it. A better way to write it in English might be, "I can't help but feel sympathy for the blind people."

I see it is a better phrasing. I put THINK instead of FEEL which is bad oh dear I do not seem to get away from the word :p
I don't feel sympathy however I actually feel bad for blind people.
I see disabled people in the parade and I can't help but feel depressed about it all. So many disabled it is scary.
I am thinking disablity seem to be the condition that is soon catching up with humans and it is a very bad sign.
I cannot imagine full of disabled. We must be doing something wrong the amount of disabled people I see on a daily basis scares me.

[billl]

I see it is a better phrasing. I put THINK instead of FEEL which is bad oh dear I do not seem to get away from the word :p
I don't feel sympathy however I actually feel bad for blind people.
I see disabled people in the parade and I can't help but feel depressed about it all. So many disabled it is scary.
I am thinking disablity seem to be the condition that is soon catching up with humans and it is a very bad sign.
I cannot imagine full of disabled. We must be doing something wrong the amount of disabled people I see on a daily basis scares me.

Well that is all very clearly and conventionally written, so you just needed another try instead of my advice. The phrasing of the one Basil joked about just suggested that you were angry at them (which, of course, you weren't).

[Delta40]

I see it is a better phrasing. I put THINK instead of FEEL which is bad oh dear I do not seem to get away from the word :p
I don't feel sympathy however I actually feel bad for blind people.
I see disabled people in the parade and I can't help but feel depressed about it all. So many disabled it is scary.
I am thinking disablity seem to be the condition that is soon catching up with humans and it is a very bad sign.
I cannot imagine full of disabled. We must be doing something wrong the amount of disabled people I see on a daily basis scares me.

Yes, we might come and take you away :driving:

[cacian]

Well that is all very clearly and conventionally written, so you just needed another try instead of my advice. The phrasing of the one Basil joked about just suggested that you were angry at them (which, of course, you weren't).

Haha I got it after you drawn my attention to it thank you bill.:p
Angry!! gosh no more angry to the fact they that they can't see.


Yes, we might come and take you away :driving:

What!! Will you be coming too? ;)

[Delta40]

What!! Will you be coming too? ;)

Lol no Cacian as a disabled person I might drag you off since you sound so scared but as Billl said you're not really - you're just how shall I say this? Confidentially pleased :lol:

[prendrelemick]

I see it is a better phrasing. I put THINK instead of FEEL which is bad oh dear I do not seem to get away from the word :p
I don't feel sympathy however I actually feel bad for blind people.
I see disabled people in the parade and I can't help but feel depressed about it all. So many disabled it is scary.
I am thinking disablity seem to be the condition that is soon catching up with humans and it is a very bad sign.
I cannot imagine full of disabled. We must be doing something wrong the amount of disabled people I see on a daily basis scares me.


I think that is the whole point, to get out there and be seen taking part in The Games and in life in general.
If there are more disabled seen about it is because they are not hidden away anymore and are surviving injuries that would've been fatal in the old days.
It's nothing to be depressed about.

[cacian]

Lol no Cacian as a disabled person I might drag you off since you sound so scared but as Billl said you're not really - you're just how shall I say this? Confidentially pleased :lol:

LOL
That is too funny Delta but not confidentially scared though lol

[prendrelemick]

The Paralympics are an eyeopener. I have to say I am not enjoying them so much. The Athletes seem more driven and mercenary than the fully-abled. Time and time again we are seeing tears and petulance after "only" winning silver or bronze.

What about taking part?

Perhaps those eletes are especially driven - their life experience has led them to believe they can overcome anything, and when they don't they are shocked.

The latest case, of Oscar-The Bladerunner-Pistorius, is especially pertinent, he was beaten for the first time in the 200 metre final and straightaway claimed the winner's blades gave him an advantage and basically said "It's not fair". Ironically, this is the same argument he dismissed when used against him by fully able athletes.

Today Tannie Grey-Thompson pointed out that it was important to Oscar, as many sponsorship deals may be at stake. She said this in mitigation for his outburst, but I think right there is his problem.

Actually," It's not fair " is a relevent arguement in most of the events. No person's disability is exactly like another person's. The grading system is complicated and tries to produce an even playing field, but it is imperfect and there are mis matches all the time. I can see how this would leave a bad taste in the mouth of the loser - seeing a less severely disabled athlete beat them, and it tarnishes the spectacle for me.

[kiki1982]

Yes, I was slightly shocked about that. An able-bodied athlete would have protested in private.

How old is Pistorius now? I mean, in his discipline, it's not unthinkable that someone better comes along at 18 years of age. I heard no-one winge when Blake won his event. And I am sure that something like blades and their length is something they take into consideration. If they don't they are running behind dramatically.

There was another outburst in the velodrome although that was slightly unfair. Cyclist in the individual time trial: his wheel slipped and the gate did not release him (clearly visible on a clip), put up his hand and stopped, expecting a re-start. Ref said no. The commentators were also complaining, although of course they are British too, we can't ignore that fact... Anyway, athlete threw his helmet on the floor in total dismay.
Even worse than his outburst (you can understand the frustration behind that, although I didn't see Victoria Pendleton do it when she was disqualified) was his mum's speech on TV: he had worked for it these four years. Yes, and? Pendleton too, not least the girl she had with her, because Pendleton's qualification meant going home for her partner (Victoria had another chance at a medal). It seems that there are still people who believe that because it is the Paralympics, athletes should get another chance whatever. Sad for him, though, but there is no need to be like that about it.

Maybe it's because these athletes are working more, maybe more emotionally.

Loved Stephen Weirs composed self after his very manly win in the 5000m. He was a real tiger there, bl**dy hell, and then comes before the camera, all grace... You wouldn't have known he had won. :lol:

[prendrelemick]

Yes I was thinking of the cyclist too.

It wasn't the gate that was faulty. I heard during the normal Olympics, that you had to hit the pedal exactly as the gate releases or you are checked and lose a few tenths of a second.

Same for everybody.

I wonder if being disabled they are used to getting concessions and demanding them loudly.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

Yeah, damn disabled people, spoiled bastards!

[prendrelemick]

^That's more or less the problem. It is simply bad form to criticize a disabled person.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

No, it's bad form to imply disabled people are more petulant because they're disabled, i.e., "I wonder if being disabled they are used to getting concessions and demanding them loudly."

[kiki1982]

Yes I was thinking of the cyclist too.

It wasn't the gate that was faulty. I heard during the normal Olympics, that you had to hit the pedal exactly as the gate releases or you are checked and lose a few tenths of a second.

Same for everybody.

I wonder if being disabled they are used to getting concessions and demanding them loudly.

haha, so much for the very unbiased commentry... :lol:

Anyway, I genuinely thought there was something wrong, but I may be wrong about that, as I don't watch that stuff very often. Of course you can make a mistake, also at that level.

Anyone who is in Britain watching The Last Leg (the after-the-Paralympics show)? It's hilarious. Presented by the Australian with an amputated foot, with an amputee pundit with 'hand issues'. Laughs at everyting that can't be laughed at by able-bodied people. It's got a feature with Twitter questions that you can't really ask normally. One the other time was, 'Can you beat up a disabled person if he's being a nob?' (in all fairness, it was a joke by someone). The conclusion was that you could really do it, but that it wouldn't look good :lol:.

Still, yesterday, presenter starts the show with:

'If you haven't seen any of the blind football or running, don't worry...

[at this point my hubby and I were both going, no, he's not going to, is he?]

... they didn't either.'

:lol: Great show. The presenter's knitted character has reached 34,000 pounds on eBay already. (all for charity, GOSH, of course). When they started the show two days ago, it had only reached 15 pounds...


I saw at least half of the contestants 4x100m relay cerebral palsy was disqualified for passing the baton too late. Britain was touch and go, last contestant couldn't firmly hold of the baton until she was almost out of the box, on the yellow line. I am secretly wondering that they actually didn't disqualify Britain because otherwise there wouldn't have been a bronze medal at all...

[prendrelemick]

Someone I actually know won a silver today in the hand cycling,

[prendrelemick]

Gawd, another ceremony. To be honest it hasn't started well.


note to self: Never invite Coldplay to a party.